Developing problems with alcohol consumption doesn’t happen overnight; in fact, it’s subtle and often surprising for many. One drink a day can lead to two or more, spiraling out of control soon after. As tolerance levels increase, dependency on drinking becomes an issue. Alcohol ruins lives and can cause turmoil in personal and professional settings. Alcohol abuse programs work to address concerns surrounding alcohol consumption. Here’s what you should know about the different programs offered.
A person exhibiting symptoms of functioning alcoholism can be a cause for concern because it’s often more difficult to see how alcohol is impacting their life and those around them. Despite being able to manage day-to-day responsibilities, alcohol is still linked with various diseases and illnesses, not to mention can inadvertently cause damage via vehicular accidents or damage at work while under the influence. Finding treatment programs that address alcohol abuse is critical no matter the severity of alcohol abuse.
Finding alcohol abuse programs in Colorado can feel taxing. There are a number of options and approaches to addressing problematic drinking and it’s important to understand what best suits your particular lifestyle or situation. Contact us for more information from a leading Colorado alcohol rehab program at 855-281-5588.
Is Alcohol Abuse A Disease?
Yes, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIH), alcohol use disorder (AUD) — or what is more commonly known as alcoholism — is a medical condition that’s characterized by the inability to control or stop alcohol use, despite experiencing occupational, social, and health consequences.
A 2019 statistics on alcohol abuse included the following facts:
- The National Survey on Drug Use and Health – NSDUH, reported that 85.6% of adults aged 18 and above, drank alcohol at some point in their life.
- 25.8% of people above the age of 18 reported heavy alcohol use and binge drinking.
- 14.5 million people aged 12 years and above suffered from AUD
- 7.2% of people over the age of 12 years, had been treated for AUD
As mentioned above, the family does play a big role in developing alcoholism, and for children who are exposed to alcohol abuse early in their lives, the risk is even greater, not to mention those who are genetically predisposed to the condition.
When is Drinking A Problem?
Drinking becomes a problem when as a woman you are having more than seven drinks per week or more than three on an occasion, and as a man, you have more than 14 drinks a week and more than four drinks an occasion.
What Does It Feel Like to Suffer from Alcohol Abuse?
Each person with an addiction has a different experience and most of them will agree that they have similar feelings about it. This shared understanding brings about camaraderie in the group.
The most common feelings are:
- Waking up ashamed and guilty over what you did the day or night before.
- Feeling that you have to get through the day no matter what. Even when you feel worthless and empty.
- Feeling anxious and depressed
- Always thinking of where you are going to get your next drink
- Worrying about getting rid of drinking evidence
- Having no appetite
- Worrying about your job, family, and friends
Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Addiction: What are the Differences?
In most cases, conversations about alcohol abuse and addiction can be ambiguous. People are unable to differentiate between the two, but they are different.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is not the same as addiction, although it is a great cause for concern. The overuse of a substance in a manner it was not intended to be used, is substance abuse. For example, when you are prescribed painkillers and take them for longer than they were intended or higher doses. This is substance abuse.
Addiction
As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction is different from substance abuse, in that it is a chronic illness that’s incredibly hard to control or stop. Abuse of specific substances such as prescription drugs and alcohol is pretty common.
This can cause serious chemical changes in the brain leading to addiction, and these changes could compel someone to keep using the specific substance they are addicted to, regardless of the negative effects.
Helping A Loved One Battling Alcohol Abuse
Dealing with a family member or friend with addiction is extremely difficult. To start with, the process of acceptance is usually long and hard. A person with an addiction will rarely accept that they have a problem, and as such, helping them see reason could be a futile effort.
It is important to take this process slowly. Understand that they have a disease just like anyone else suffering from other ailments, and try to be comforting and loving at the same time.
Listening to their reasons for continued drinking could help you get to the root cause of the problem. Most people are addicted to alcohol due to depression, anxiety, and mental illness. Here are a few ways of approaching the situation:
Talking To Them
You may think that the numerous unsuccessful talks and interventions are useless since they are not amounting to much, but in the long run, you may be surprised that they actually work. Talk to them often and with love to help them see that they have a problem with alcohol.
Offer To Help
Extend a helping hand. Let them know that you will be with them through the process. When they do decide to seek help. This is very important because, for addiction treatment to be successful, family support is vital.
Take Care Of Yourself
Dealing with a person with an addiction to alcohol is stressful enough. It can actually take a toll on your health as well, and it is always important to seek help from the community, friends, and counseling groups.
Ensure to involve other people so you are not alone in this, and talk honestly about how you are feeling. Ask for support when you need it.
What Are Two Types of Treatment Options Available For An Individual Who Has A Drinking Problem?
For a person suffering from alcohol addiction, there are various treatment options available. However, the most recognized alcohol abuse programs are inpatient and outpatient care.
If you’re looking for support in the following Colorado metro areas, AspenRidge Recovery can help:
Outpatient Treatment
This is a specific alcohol abuse program and addiction treatment approach whereby the person with addiction makes regular visits to the treatment center for medication, counseling, or both. This option is great for people whose addiction is not too severe, as they continue with their normal lives.
It requires a lot of commitment and discipline to the course, otherwise, relapse is possible. There should also be plenty of support from family and friends for it to be successful.
Inpatient Treatment
This is the most successful treatment option for someone battling severe alcohol addiction. It is a residential treatment where the person with an addiction moves into the treatment facility and receives 24-hour care for their addiction.
The best thing about inpatient care is that you are surrounded by medical personnel, who can provide help in case of any emergencies. This treatment option is ideal if you want to concentrate fully on your treatment, leaving behind the triggers.
Medication Assisted (MAT) Alcohol Abuse Treatment
In addition to usual alcohol abuse programs, certain medications can aid in overcoming alcohol dependency. While there’s no magic cure or pill that can help a person fully recover from the disease of addiction, certain alcohol addiction medications — when administered properly — have been shown to provide beneficial effects for reducing withdrawal symptoms and curbing triggers that may result in relapse once recovery is underway. AspenRidge works with your healthcare provider to combine MAT with dual diagnosis programs.
How Does Addressing Mental Health Help in Overcoming Alcohol Abuse?
Substance use disorder is actually a mental health issue that affects your brain and behavior. This leads to an inability to control or stop the use of illegal drugs and alcohol.
Researchers have found that more than half of individuals who suffer from SUD in their lives, also experience a co-occurring mental disorder as well, and vice versa.
The mental disorders include:
- Anxiety
- Attention-deficit disorders
- Hyperactivity disorder
- Personality disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
Dealing with mental health is a great starting point for addiction treatment. This gets right to the root cause of the situation and can help alleviate the substance abuse.
Treatment mostly involves Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other types of therapies that try to understand why a person with addiction keeps drinking even when it causes adverse consequences to their lives.
AspenRidge Recovery Center Alcohol Abuse Programs
AspenRidge Recovery Center is Colorado’s leading treatment center for alcohol abuse disorder, mental health, and drug abuse. We also deal with dual diagnoses and help individuals with addiction achieve sobriety and go on to live sober lives.
We provide lasting solutions and outpatient care programs to individuals and their families suffering from these conditions. Call us today at 855-281-5588. We are waiting to help you.
